Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Isaac Bonewits

I have been reading this morning about Isaac Bonewit's illness and approaching death. This brought home to me two things - First, the amazing ability of the Internet to connect people over great distance. Isaac and his wife Phaedra (which is an awesome name) are receiving so much support through Facebook, and through other digital channels as well. Prior to Facebook, I might not have even heard about this until after the fact. Because of Facebook, hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people who have benefited from his teachings can say goodbye. Or, since we're Pagans, see you later.

Second, it reminded me of something I was reading in Truth or Dare by Starhawk earlier this week. She talks about being fed spiritually by other cultures, and then giving back to those cultures. The example was if you participate in a Native American sweat lodge, you then have a duty to care about issues affecting Native Americans. If you don't, then you're a taker and a thief.

I am not a member of Ar nDraiocht Fein, but I have been fed spiritually by the rituals of Snow Water Grove over the past year. Ar nDraiocht Fein and Snow Water are part of the tradition started by Isaac Bonewits. So I hope that by burning some incense and sending my energy to aid him in his journey to joining the Ancestors, I am giving back a small portion of the support and love I've received from my ADF friends, all of which flowed from Isaac and his great love of the Earth and the traditions of the Druids from long ago.

May you pray by a good fire, sir, and long live the Tradition!

Merry Part and Blessed Be

Blog Archive